RASC News Agency: Reporters Without Borders has demanded the immediate reopening of the private “Zhman” radio station in Khost, which was recently shuttered by the Taliban’s Department of Promotion of Virtue for broadcasting music in one of its programs.
In a statement released on Wednesday night November 6, Reporters Without Borders condemned the shutdown, describing it as yet another blow to press freedom in Afghanistan. According to the organization, Taliban directives targeting media outlets signify an attempt to silence the voices of the Afghanistani people and curtail freedom of expression. Reporters Without Borders further noted that such actions starkly conflict with the ideals of free speech and the civic rights of Afghanistani citizens.
The Afghanistan Journalists Center reported that the Taliban’s office of Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Khost ordered Zhman Radio’s closure due to background music in one of its broadcasts. A staff member at the station commented that the shutdown order was issued over what he termed a minor infraction. Only a week ago, the Taliban also closed “Gharghasht” Radio, another private station in Khost, for similar reasons. That station was allowed to resume operations after three days, following pledges from its management to adhere to Taliban-imposed policies.
Founded seven years ago in Khost, Zhman Radio broadcasts a range of content, including political, religious, social, sports, and educational programs. Its coverage extends beyond Khost to parts of Paktia province. Since coming to power, the Taliban have imposed numerous restrictions on the media, leading to the shutdown of several outlets. Their latest crackdown on media freedom has particularly impacted independent stations like Gharghasht and Zhman, underscoring the regime’s increasing hostility toward independent journalism in Afghanistan.
